Political correctness has gone too far in Australia, says Ita Buttrose

Australia has become too politically correct and we are far too sensitive now, according to ABC chair Ita Buttrose. She was talking on ABC News Breakfast to co-host Michael Rowland.

Australia also needs to bring back the larrikin spirit and display it proudly, she said.

The ABC has this week launched the Australia Talks national survey, which includes responses from 54,000 people about their attitudes, behaviours and experiences.

It includes a question about whether Australia has become too politically correct, and Buttrose is adamant it has.

"I agree 100 per cent. I agree 100 per cent, that we don't talk to each other the way we used to," she said.

"When I think of some of the conversations I used to have with Sir Frank Packer, for instance, they simply wouldn't happen today."

Buttrose said this took the "spontaneity" out of the workplace, and in her experience Australians liked to "josh" with each other at work.

"We should be able to do that without anyone being offended or sensitive about it," she said.

Buttrose said this took the "spontaneity" out of the workplace; and in her experience, Australians liked to "josh" with each other at work.

"We should be able to do that without anyone being offended or sensitive about it," she said.

The media veteran also reiterated previous comments that Australia had lost some of its larrikin spirit.

"There are very few larrikins … we've sort of suppressed that side of our character," she said.

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